Terrorism poses a direct and ongoing threat to the safety and wellbeing of Australians both in Australia and abroad. The current terrorism threat to Australia and Australian interests is unprecedented in our history. Australia’s National Counter-Terrorism Plan outlines the arrangements, governance and operational responsibilities of Australian governments and agencies engaged in countering terrorism.

Crowded places such as stadiums, shopping centres, pedestrian malls and major events will continue to be attractive targets for terrorists. Australia is not immune. The objective of Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism is to protect the lives of people working in, using, and visiting crowded places by making these places more resilient to terrorism.

The National Terrorism Threat Advisory System informs the public on the likelihood of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia. The system provides information on what the threat level means, where the threat is coming from, potential targets and how a terrorist act may be carried out.

The current National Terrorism Threat Level is PROBABLE and the public should continue to exercise caution.

Find out more on the National Terrorism Threat Advisory System page.​

A wide range of industrial, agricultural and veterinary chemicals are legitimately used by individuals and organisations every day throughout Australia. However, some of these chemicals have in the past been diverted from their legitimate use and used for unlawful purposes, including terrorist activity.

Find out more on the Chemical security page.​

In October 2013 the Australian Government announced it will provide financial assistance to people affected by past acts of terrorism overseas. The Australian Victim of Terrorism Overseas Payment (AVTOP) will also apply to future acts of terrorism overseas that are declared by the Prime Minister.

The one-off payment of up to $75 000 will provide financial assistance for Australian residents who are harmed as a direct result of declared terrorist acts. Payment of up to $75 000 may be shared among eligible close family members of someone that died as a direct result of a declared terrorist act.

More information is available on the Department of Human Services website.

The campaign, ‘If it doesn’t add up, speak up,’ targets all Australians to remind us that everyone can help keep Australia safe by calling the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness amongst all communities of the need to be vigilant, to note suspicious activity, and to report it to the National Security Hotline.

Calls to the Hotline have already contributed to investigations and initiated new ones.

Find out more on the national security campaign page.